‘Engineered’ isn’t a word you’d readily associate with socks, but then the Falke TK2s are German. Made of a highly wicking, quick-drying combination of fabrics – featuring 22 per cent wool and integrated silver elements to reduce odour – the TK2 is a thinner sock than many, but it’s warm without being clammy and it’s impressively durable, especially for the price. Tougher pads under the ball of the foot reinforce areas of high wear. Due to an ergonomic fit they also feature very obvious L/R denotations; pay attention to these, as you’ll feel a prat if you get them wrong in public.

So confident is 1000 Mile in its system – two layers: a synthetic inner which moves with your foot and a wool outer which moves with the boot – that the company offers a money-back guarantee if you get blisters or the socks wear out. It’s an impressive idea, and the 1000 Mile Ultimate Heavyweight is certainly different to others we looked at, not only in the Tactel nylon inner and wool outer but also the length; if you prefer longer socks, these are for you.

Nothing feels quite as luxurious as new woolly socks, and no wool feels quite as good as that from merino sheep. Part of SmartWool’s PhD (geddit?) range, these socks are naturally odour-resistant and high-wicking – helped by the looped-thread lining – as well as being warm and supremely comfortable, making them just the job for long, multi-day walks when a change of socks isn’t practical. These Outdoor ones are the medium weight of three variants, and they’re ideal as a middle-season, high-end option.